"The Atlético coach is visibly emotional and has been shown a yellow card by the referee."
"This goal is crucial."
"So far, Real Madrid has managed eight shots in 21 minutes, with only two on target, neither of which were particularly dangerous."
"This highlights the inefficiency of Real Madrid's attacks. They appear aggressive, but the actual threat is limited."
"In contrast, Atlético's counterattacks have been far more effective."
"Kaká's driving run was incredible—this young Brazilian talent continues to impress with his blistering pace and intelligence. Makelele and Helguera couldn't keep up with him at all."
"This goal is a wake-up call for Real Madrid—they need to take this match seriously now."
After returning to the technical area, Yang Hao once again approached the sideline and called over the players who had just returned from celebrating.
"Keep playing this way. Make sure you protect the goal—we cannot let Real Madrid score. Understood?"
"Understood!"
By this point in the match, the Atlético players fully understood: as long as they kept their goal intact, more goals were bound to come—and not just one, but several.
"Let's go! Push harder! Let's put Real Madrid away in one fell swoop!" Yang Hao encouraged his players with fervor.
The Atlético players responded with enthusiastic cheers.
...
Play resumed.
After conceding the goal, Real Madrid's players began working even "harder."
But to the experienced eye of Valdano, this effort was more a sign of desperation than determination.
Their mindset had been unbalanced from the moment they stepped onto the pitch.
Everyone knew where the problem lay, but no one dared to say it.
Florentino Pérez, meanwhile, continued to chat and laugh with the surrounding guests, outwardly unaffected by the match. He even complimented Atlético's counterattack.
"That player Kaká, along with Adriano—they're playing exceptionally well," he remarked.
But Valdano knew better. Inside, Florentino's temper was probably erupting like a volcano.
As one of Spain's most successful businessmen, Florentino excelled at presenting the right demeanor in any situation. Maintaining composure and elegance in public was second nature to him.
However, he would never tolerate Real Madrid losing this globally spotlighted match on the night of their centenary celebration.
Such a loss would tarnish the club's legacy—and his reputation as its president.
The players on the pitch understood this all too well, and it showed. They played with even greater urgency and growing frustration.
During a scramble for possession in Atlético's half, Zidane tripped Baraja. Even after the referee blew his whistle, the Frenchman kept fighting for the ball, leading to a confrontation.
Shoves were exchanged, and soon players from both teams rushed in, escalating the scene into near chaos.
It was evident that Real Madrid's players were losing their composure.
Valdano watched with a grim expression, his anxiety mounting.
He knew that with Real Madrid's current mentality, they were far more likely to concede another goal than to score one against Atlético.
He even began to suspect that Atlético's provocations—Carvalho antagonizing Raúl earlier and now Baraja clashing with Zidane—were deliberate attempts to unsettle Real Madrid's players.
He had no proof, but the possibility seemed highly likely.
Damn it!
Like Del Bosque, Valdano had no clear solution to the situation.
The starting XI were shackled by immense pressure. Would subbing on bench players help?
Maybe.
But who would dare take that risk?
Would they bench the world's greatest superstars to bring on players like McManaman or Guti?
If the gamble worked and they won, it would be celebrated as a masterstroke.
But if they lost, the backlash from fans would be unbearable.
Besides, it was still only the first half.
...
As the clock approached the 30th minute, Real Madrid's attacks still couldn't penetrate Atlético's defensive setup.
The combination of four defenders, three defensive midfielders, excellent tactical discipline, and two years of rigorous training under Yang Hao made Atlético's defense almost impenetrable.
Whenever Real Madrid advanced into the attacking third, Zidane, Raúl, and Figo found themselves effectively isolated by Atlético's defense, unable to connect.
Figo's frequent movement toward the middle was an attempt to link up with Raúl, but this only crowded the central area further, making it even harder to find space.
Atlético, on the other hand, remained composed and calculated. They counterattacked when opportunities arose and focused on defense when they didn't.
Even during counterattacks, Atlético initially committed only three forwards. Only when the first wave secured possession did the fullbacks and midfielders push forward to join the attack.
This approach was conservative, but it was highly effective.
Atlético's front three had such strong individual ability that Real Madrid had to keep at least four defenders back at all times to guard against another counterattack.
This limited Real Madrid's offensive numbers in the final third, leaving their superstars to rely on individual brilliance. The result was a disjointed attack, lacking genuine threat.
As frustration mounted, their play grew increasingly frantic.
In the 34th minute, Real Madrid's urgency led to another costly error.
Baraja passed the ball to Kaká, who was closely marked by Makelele. Unable to advance, Kaká moved laterally to the right and quickly passed the ball forward.
Belletti carried the ball past the halfway line, and surprisingly, no one stepped up to challenge him.
Zidane lingered upfield, ready to join the attack, while Raúl was the only forward actively tracking back.
Roberto Carlos returned in time but kept his focus on Kaká, wary of the Brazilian's potential to launch another attack from the right.
Belletti pushed into Real Madrid's final third. Spotting Deco making a run, he sent the ball his way.
Makelele held his position, relying on Raúl to close down Deco. However, Raúl, having just sprinted back, needed a moment to catch his breath and couldn't press Deco immediately.
Deco seized the opportunity. With a sudden turn, he delivered an exquisite lobbed pass over the top.
The ball arched quickly and accurately, bypassing Real Madrid's midfield and defense. It dropped near the edge of the penalty area, on the right side.
Adriano, perfectly timing his run, had already beaten the offside trap. Sprinting onto the bouncing ball, he bore down on goal.
Hierro chased Adriano on the inside, ready to block any attempt with his left foot. But Adriano had no intention of cutting back.
In this situation, there was only one option: shoot with his right foot.
This was the moment Adriano's relentless training with his weaker foot over the past two years paid off.
Without hesitation, the Brazilian striker planted his left foot and struck the ball cleanly with his right.
The stadium reverberated with the sound of his strike. The ball rocketed toward the goal like a cannonball.
Casillas reacted instantly, diving to his side, and managed to get a hand on the ball.
But the sheer power of Adriano's shot was unstoppable. Even after deflecting off Casillas's glove, the ball continued its trajectory and found the back of the net.
"GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!"
"Adriano!!!"
"Atlético scores again!!!"
"In the 34th minute, Adriano delivers a thunderous strike to score Atlético's second goal!!!"
"We were just saying that Real Madrid needed to slow down their pace—they've been playing far too anxiously."
"Tonight, it's clear the Real Madrid players are under immense psychological pressure."
"Atlético has exploited this mindset perfectly, staying solid at the back and launching one dangerous counterattack after another."
"The more threatening Atlético's counters become, the more desperate Real Madrid gets."
"And now, this is the result we're seeing: Real Madrid's defense repeatedly exposed and their goal breached again and again."
"2–0!"
"The situation looks grim for Real Madrid now."
"We all know that Atlético is renowned for their stability. With a two-goal lead, it's incredibly difficult for Real Madrid to mount a comeback."
"Tonight is clearly not Real Madrid's night."
...
After receiving a yellow card earlier, Yang Hao's celebration this time was noticeably more restrained.
He repeatedly instructed Juanma Lillo to pull him back if he got too carried away.
The last thing he wanted was to be sent off with a red card—a humiliation he was determined to avoid.
As Adriano unleashed his stunning strike, Yang Hao laughed heartily and offered his congratulations to the Brazilian striker.
Adriano ran straight to the sideline, celebrating with his father in the stands.
All of Atlético's players' families were present tonight.
Yang Hao quickly approached the sideline to instruct his team.
"There are still about ten minutes left in the half. Stay solid at the back and look for counterattack opportunities when they come. Understand?"
"Don't relax, and don't get careless, OK?"
Against a team full of superstars like Real Madrid, even a moment's lapse could lead to a sudden reversal.
A two-goal lead was far from secure, especially against a side with so many world-class players.
If Atlético stayed focused, Real Madrid would inevitably continue to make mistakes.
And sure enough, when play resumed, Real Madrid's players remained intent on scoring and turning the tide.
But in the 43rd minute, another costly error occurred.
Baraja intercepted the ball from Makelele with a perfectly timed challenge and immediately launched a counterattack.
Deco and Kaká exchanged a series of one-touch passes, eventually sending the ball into the penalty area near the penalty spot.
Adriano used his strength to shield the ball from Hierro and brought it under control.
However, with Cannavaro closing in, the Brazilian couldn't turn to face the goal.
Adriano, the primary target of Real Madrid's two center-backs, held the ball securely with his back to goal. Spotting a red-and-white blur racing toward him, he passed the ball back to the edge of the penalty area on the right side.
It was Baraja, Atlético's captain, charging forward to meet the pass. Without breaking stride, he took a touch to control the ball before unleashing a thunderous shot with his right foot.
The powerful strike from the edge of the box rocketed into the bottom-right corner of Real Madrid's goal.
In that moment, the Bernabéu fell silent.
Both Real Madrid and Atlético fans were momentarily stunned by what they had just witnessed.
Three goals conceded in the first half? Who could have imagined? Who would have believed it?
Even Real Madrid's players on the pitch seemed in disbelief.
How was Atlético able to create a threat with every counterattack?
But the scoreline didn't lie.
As the scoreboard changed from 0–2 to 0–3, Atlético's fans erupted with deafening cheers.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid's supporters remained mired in disappointment and frustration.
...
This time, Yang Hao stayed calm. Deep down, he had a sense that another goal was coming.
Real Madrid had been rattled by the successive goals and were struggling to recover.
As Yang Hao had told Irureta earlier, tying such an important celebration to this final was an arrogant and domineering move by Real Madrid.
What were they thinking? That no one could possibly challenge them?
Such an approach only served to burden Real Madrid's players with chains and a mountain of psychological pressure.
Of course, Florentino Pérez likely wouldn't see it that way. In his eyes, superstars were meant to perform the extraordinary and accomplish the impossible.
But at the end of the day, even superstars are human.
Baraja's long-range strike reminded Yang Hao of another player he admired: Federico Valverde, the Uruguayan midfielder who played for Real Madrid in a later era. Valverde, too, had a penchant for stunning long-range goals.
3–0!
And the match had just begun!
...
"Trust me, this game is far from over!"
As Atlético entered the locker room with a 3–0 lead, Yang Hao doused the team's excitement with a bucket of cold water.
Why?
Because in a final, a 3–0 lead at halftime is one of the most precarious scorelines imaginable.
Either they needed to score another goal, or... well, actually, there was no "or." Scoring another goal was the only option.
3–0 was simply too unsettling.
Also, while Atlético hadn't prepared champagne for celebrations, the club had arranged some post-match festivities. Real Madrid, brimming with pre-match confidence, had gone all out with their own preparations, fully expecting victory.
Yang Hao couldn't help but wonder: could they strike a deal to borrow Real Madrid's unused celebration arrangements?
After shaking off that random thought, Yang Hao refocused.
"In these 15 minutes of halftime, Real Madrid will definitely make adjustments. With their players' skill levels, they'll bounce back quickly."
"Why?"
"Because they've already hit rock bottom—they have nothing left to lose!"
It was the same mentality that fueled the Miracle of Istanbul.
Was it because AC Milan popped champagne at halftime?
No, it wasn't just Milan's complacency. It was also because Liverpool, with nothing left to lose, played with absolute freedom.
Why did Real Madrid play so poorly in the first half?
Because they wanted to win but were afraid to lose.
And now?
Down 0–3, they had already lost. What did they have left to fear?
Nothing.
With nothing to lose, players of Real Madrid's caliber and mental fortitude were bound to adjust quickly.
"The second half will be our real test," Yang Hao declared to his players. "I can guarantee you this: Real Madrid will play even more ferociously in the second half. They will throw everything they have at our goal."
Looking at his team, Yang Hao shared all his concerns with them, ensuring they understood the gravity of what lay ahead.
"Trust me, guys. Against a team like Real Madrid, a 3–0 lead is anything but safe."
"We can't afford even the slightest complacency. If we let up even a little, Real Madrid will take the second half and humiliate us even worse than we've humiliated them in the first half."
Yang Hao spoke with intensity and conviction, fully aware that this scenario was highly likely.
These were superstars, after all. What kind of person becomes a superstar without exceptional mental resilience?
When they shed their psychological shackles, they become truly terrifying.
"In the second half, I need every single one of you to give 120% focus and 200% effort. Don't give Real Madrid or their stars even a sliver of an opportunity!"
...
Yang Hao's warning was validated from the very first minute of the second half.
Del Bosque made a bold move, substituting McManaman for Cannavaro, who was already on a yellow card. This adjustment left Real Madrid with a back three, allowing more attacking players to flood the front.
It was clear: Real Madrid intended to go all out against Atlético.
Less than a minute into the second half, Zidane fired a long-range shot that narrowly missed the target, brushing past the post.
Though off target, it was enough to make hearts skip a beat.
Yang Hao hurried to the sideline, loudly reminding his players to stay focused and maintain their defensive shape.
The fruits of Yang Hao's two years of meticulous coaching became evident in this moment. Tactically, Atlético was solid and disciplined. Though young, the players thoroughly understood their coach's strategy and executed it flawlessly, defending the penalty area with unyielding determination.
Del Bosque, seeing 15 minutes of relentless attacks fail to breach Atlético's defense, made a second substitution: Guti replaced Morientes.
Real Madrid's center forward had struggled all night against Lucio and Carvalho, unable to break free, partly due to the heavy psychological burden the team was carrying.
With the substitution, Real Madrid continued their assault, but Atlético's defense held firm, solid as a rock. The gameplay wasn't pretty, but Atlético's defensive performance was highly effective.
Yang Hao made his first substitution in the 76th minute, bringing on Diego Forlán for Kaká. Team data showed Kaká's stamina was nearly depleted.
With the substitution, Atlético switched to a 4-3-1-2 formation, with Adriano and Forlán positioned as a forward duo to harass Real Madrid's defense.
With Cannavaro off the field, Real Madrid's backline was left with only Hierro as a center-back, forcing Helguera to drop deeper.
Now, Atlético had two forwards up front. Yang Hao's strategy of attacking to defend was aimed at forcing Del Bosque into a difficult decision.
The match continued with both teams exchanging attacks and counterattacks. Real Madrid kept searching for openings, while Atlético remained steadfast, defending their penalty area with resolve.
Finally, in the 88th minute, Real Madrid capitalized on an opportunity.
Strictly speaking, it wasn't much of an opportunity.
Figo dribbled through the right channel, weaving past two Atlético defenders before passing to Zidane at the top of the box. The French superstar controlled the ball, stepped into the penalty area, and unleashed a low shot.
The ball skimmed the inside of the right post and nestled into Atlético's net.
1–3!
The goal reignited the hopes of Real Madrid fans.
After all, wasn't it Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United that overturned a deficit against Bayern Munich with two last-minute goals?
Raúl darted into the net, picked up the ball, and sprinted back, urging his teammates to restart the game quickly. Time was of the essence.
Yang Hao immediately signaled for a substitution.
As soon as play resumed, Real Madrid launched another wave of frenzied attacks.
But when the ball went out of play, Yang Hao made his move, bringing on Xabi Alonso for Deco.
With the substitution, Atlético shifted to a shape resembling a 4-4-2 with two defensive midfielders: Baraja on the right, Cambiasso on the left, and Simeone and Xabi Alonso in the middle.
The change and the accompanying adjustments consumed valuable time, further frustrating Real Madrid and increasing their sense of urgency.
When play resumed, Real Madrid intensified their attacks, but their haste led to more mistakes.
During stoppage time, their desperation became clear. Anytime the ball neared Atlético's penalty area, they resorted to speculative long shots, most of which sailed wide or were easily blocked.
In the end, Real Madrid failed to score again.
...
When referee Mejuto González blew the final whistle, the Bernabéu erupted—not with cheers from the home crowd, but with the ecstatic celebration of Atlético fans.
Over 30,000 Real Madrid supporters fell silent.
In the president's box, Florentino Pérez's face remained unreadable, betraying none of his inner thoughts. The television cameras, however, caught FIFA President Sepp Blatter whispering awkwardly to a companion, wearing a strained smile.
Clearly, he too found Atlético's role as party-crashers deeply uncomfortable.
The other Real Madrid guests shared his sentiment.
King Juan Carlos I, a die-hard Madridista, was visibly agitated, attempting to justify the outcome to those around him.
Known for his loyalty to Los Blancos, the King had confidently anticipated a Real Madrid victory. He had planned to personally present the trophy to his beloved club, hosting the event and serving as the ceremony's main guest of honor.
But now, Real Madrid had lost.
He would have to present the championship trophy to Real Madrid's fiercest rivals—Atlético Madrid.
For a lifelong Madridista, it was a mortifying and intolerable situation.
On the pitch, Del Bosque and the Real Madrid players stood in stunned disbelief.
They had lost.
Tonight, the Bernabéu had fallen.
This grand centenary celebration had been utterly ruined.
How could they recover from such a debacle?
Atlético lined up below the stage to greet Real Madrid as they ascended to collect their runner-up medals.
Yes, this could be considered a form of "greeting."
Yang Hao and his players were in a jubilant mood, smiles of satisfaction plastered across their faces.
In contrast, Real Madrid's players and staff, including Del Bosque, bore heavy expressions. Yang Hao silently hoped he would never have to experience the emotions they were grappling with at that moment—never in his life.
Once the stage was ready, Real Madrid's players began making their way up.
The Atlético team greeted them with exaggerated enthusiasm, shaking hands and offering congratulations.
Yes, this could also be considered a form of "congratulation."
Yang Hao exchanged handshakes with some familiar faces, including Del Bosque, Raúl, Figo, and Zidane. In such circumstances, the interactions were limited to polite gestures and a few pats on the shoulder.
Earlier, Yang Hao had seen Raúl crying on the pitch.
As a former Real Madrid fan, Yang Hao always believed that no one had sacrificed more under Florentino Pérez's Galácticos project than Raúl.
Many younger Real Madrid fans wouldn't understand the magnitude of Raúl's contributions or sacrifices.
Before Florentino's arrival, Real Madrid had won two Champions League titles in three years, with Raúl as the centerpiece of the team.
During that era, Raúl was a prodigy, brimming with talent and creativity. He was the kind of forward anyone would admire.
His only shortcomings were his height and physical strength, which made him unsuitable as a lone striker. He excelled when paired with a target man like Morientes.
At that time, Raúl was on par with any global superstar. Compared to players like Figo, or even Zidane, Raúl held his own in every aspect except international accolades.
When Florentino implemented his Galácticos policy, the early years were manageable. With Zidane and Figo added to the squad, Raúl remained effective in his forward role.
But when Ronaldo arrived and the influx of superstars intensified, Raúl was forced into constant positional changes—shifting from forward to left winger, then to attacking midfielder, central midfielder, and even defensive midfielder.
Did Raúl ever complain? Not once.
During the Galácticos era, Raúl only managed to win one Champions League trophy, fewer than before Florentino's arrival. What was there to celebrate?
And yet, Raúl sacrificed so much for the club, enduring humiliation and self-compromise for the team's sake.
Had Raúl not endured those turbulent years, his trajectory in the early 2000s could have been extraordinary. He might have reached greater heights, avoiding being sidelined by Luis Aragonés in the national team.
Fans who didn't witness Raúl's performances before or around 2002 couldn't fully comprehend the sense of loss surrounding him.
Even harder to fathom was why, by 2010, Raúl was vilified as a "locker room tyrant" and a "toxic presence."
How could a player who sacrificed so much for Real Madrid, a selfless and low-profile captain, be labeled such things?
Yang Hao pondered these thoughts as Raúl approached. Forcing a smile, Yang Hao shook his hand before stepping forward to embrace him.
"Thank you," Raúl whispered softly in Yang Hao's ear, recognizing his gesture of respect.
...
After Real Madrid had collected their medals, it was Atlético's turn to ascend the stage.
By the players' unanimous vote, Yang Hao led the team, while captain Baraja was positioned at the back of the line to take the trophy.
As Yang Hao stepped onto the stage, he was surrounded by congratulatory handshakes and smiles from the assembled dignitaries.
The atmosphere felt overwhelming, like wading through a sea of well-wishers. Yang Hao couldn't distinguish one person from the next, offering repeated thanks as he pressed forward, shaking every hand extended his way.
Finally, he reached the top of the stage, where FIFA President Sepp Blatter awaited him.
"Well done, young man."
"Thank you," Yang Hao replied politely.
Next was Ángel María Villar, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, who greeted him warmly.
"Congratulations, Yang."
"Thank you."
Then came UEFA President Lennart Johansson.
"Magnificent performance, my boy. It's wonderful to see you here again."
Johansson had also presented Yang Hao with the UEFA Cup trophy the previous year.
"Thank you," Yang Hao repeated with a smile.
The next handshake brought him face-to-face with Florentino Pérez.
Yang Hao hadn't noticed him earlier, but now the realization struck.
Florentino was undoubtedly the most humiliated man in the stadium that night.
Not only had his Real Madrid lost their centenary celebration match at home to their city rivals, but they had also been defeated by none other than Yang Hao—the coach Florentino had once derided as a fraud.
No one could truly grasp Florentino's feelings at that moment, but they were undoubtedly bitter.
To be humiliated so publicly, forced to smile through it and offer congratulations, was an experience only those who had endured it could understand.
"Congratulations," Florentino said with forced composure.
Yang Hao grinned. "Thank you."
The exchange was brief, but their eyes conveyed unspoken sentiments.
Yang Hao's gaze seemed to say, Look, I'm finally here to tell you in person: I was right all along.
Florentino averted his eyes, letting Yang Hao pass.
Yang Hao maintained his decorum, moving past Florentino to face King Juan Carlos.
"Congratulations, young man," the King said, placing the championship medal around Yang Hao's neck.
"Your team performed exceptionally well. Keep up the good work."
In moments of ceremony, the King proved himself composed and gracious.
After receiving his medal, Yang Hao was greeted by Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar, who also offered congratulations.
Both the King and the Prime Minister were staunch Real Madrid fans—or at least claimed to be. One could never be certain of the authenticity of such allegiances.
Perhaps one day, a devout Atlético fan would become Prime Minister—or even King.
But for that to happen, Atlético needed to be strong enough.
After everyone had collected their medals, the team lined up on the stage.
Declining the players' invitation to take center stage, Yang Hao positioned himself discreetly at the edge, leaving the spotlight for his team.
Finally, King Juan Carlos ceremoniously handed the Copa del Rey trophy to Atlético captain Baraja.
Baraja lifted the trophy high above his head, roaring with triumph.
The 30,000 Atlético fans in the stadium erupted into thunderous cheers, their voices echoing in unison.
Fireworks lit up the night sky, marking the conclusion of Real Madrid's centenary celebration and the crowning of Atlético as Copa del Rey champions.
...
The Indomitable Mattress Makers!
When Atlético defeated Real Madrid 3–1 at the Bernabéu, football fans around the world were left in awe.
Spain's El País immediately published an editorial lauding Yang Hao and his players, calling the match a perfect reflection of Atlético's spirit and values.
"Tonight, the applause at the Bernabéu belongs to the best team, the best players, and the best coach!"
The article praised Atlético for disrupting Real Madrid's centenary festivities with a victory reminiscent of the Maracanazo, fulfilling Yang Hao's bold pre-match prediction.
"Now, Atlético stands as the only team in La Liga with a chance at the treble."
While they trailed Real Madrid by seven points in the league and faced tough competition in the Champions League, Atlético had claimed the Copa del Rey and emerged as true contenders.
El País attributed Atlético's victory to their tactical cohesion and superior teamwork.
"Real Madrid's superstars possess extraordinary skills, but under immense psychological pressure, they failed to perform at their peak. Meanwhile, Atlético's tactical discipline and collective effort neutralized Real Madrid's individual brilliance."
"In terms of raw talent, Atlético may still lag behind Real Madrid. But as a cohesive unit, Atlético surpassed them, forcing Real Madrid's stars into a disjointed, individualistic approach."
"Even when it came to attacking, Real Madrid's superstars crowded the central areas without proper coordination, leading to an extremely congested midfield. Atlético, on the other hand, showcased a well-balanced front three with Adriano, Deco, and Kaká—and even Baraja during the third goal. This demonstrated Atlético's superior cohesion."
El País highlighted that this was not just a difference in one match but a reflection of two fundamentally different team-building philosophies.
"When Real Madrid was blindly stacking superstars, Yang Hao was building a powerful and united Atlético."
This sentiment was echoed by Marca, a Madrid-friendly publication. It acknowledged that in the most important match of the season, Real Madrid's players lacked any semblance of cohesion.
"Yang Hao and his players walked into Real Madrid's house and stole the centenary celebration gift!"
Marca suggested that the reasons behind this loss were complex, and now was not the time for finger-pointing.
In a post-match interview with Marca, Florentino Pérez gracefully praised his opponents and offered his perspective on the match:
"The centenary celebration is about celebrating 100 years of history. It is unrelated to the result of the Copa del Rey final."
But everyone knew this was an attempt to save face. If it truly didn't matter, why arrange the Copa del Rey final on March 6 at the Bernabéu?
Florentino also apologized to the Real Madrid fans and esteemed guests, promising, "We will continue to fight for more championships!"
...
Spanish media outlets were quick to publish their commentaries following the match.
ABC: "The 20th century belonged to Real Madrid, but tonight, the Bernabéu belonged to Yang Hao, Adriano, Kaká, Deco, and Atlético Madrid."AS: "Real Madrid's centenary celebration overshadowed their legacy, elevating Atlético to new heights."Marca: "In the face of Atlético's flawless performance, Real Madrid cannot lift their once-proud heads."El País: "Yang Hao delivers on his promise. Atlético lifts the Copa del Rey, staging a Maracanazo at the Bernabéu, shattering Real Madrid's dreams of a treble-winning dynasty!"
Meanwhile, Catalonia-based media were less reserved, delighting in Real Madrid's misfortune:
Mundo Deportivo: "At the Bernabéu, the city rivals delivered a perfect victory, leaving centenarian Real Madrid to taste the bitterness of defeat."Sport: "Tonight, the brightest star in Madrid's sky is Atlético."
Across Europe, the tone was equally sharp.
British media, led by The Guardian, mocked Real Madrid's Galácticos strategy, asserting that Florentino Pérez's approach was destined to fail.
"Having lost the key match of their centenary celebration, Real Madrid is still brewing more extravagant transfers. They're ready to throw money at Vieira, Shevchenko, Nesta, Crespo, Henry, and Ronaldo."
"They even want to poach Wenger to counter Yang Hao."
This critique reflected British anxieties, as the Premier League feared losing its star players to Real Madrid's financial muscle.
Italian media, equally critical, condemned Real Madrid's Galácticos policy as unsustainable.
"That humiliating defeat at the Bernabéu is the perfect lesson for Real Madrid," noted one outlet. "Football isn't played this way!"
Tactical discussions also took center stage.
France's L'Équipe interviewed coaches from Europe's top leagues who watched the Bernabéu showdown.
Alberto Zaccheroni, Lazio's head coach, remarked:
"This match represented the pinnacle of Spanish football. The tactical level was extraordinarily high, leaving the rest of Europe behind."
"While La Liga focuses on tactics, we in Italy emphasize physicality. When building teams, our priority is often defense rather than offense. It's overly conservative."
Zaccheroni noted that even Atlético, the perceived underdog, displayed excellent offensive quality and technical skill in passing and movement.
Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United quipped that the ridicule aimed at his team's loss to Atlético might finally subside.
"Spanish football is undoubtedly at the forefront of tactical innovation," Ferguson said. "Not just Real Madrid and Atlético, but several exceptional young coaches in La Liga—like Irureta, Benítez, Juande Ramos, and Manzano—are employing cutting-edge tactics."
"And then there's Yang Hao of Atlético, who has consistently been ahead of the curve. That's why Atlético defeated Real Madrid tonight!"
Clearly, Ferguson was using the match to reinforce the legitimacy of his own tactical reforms at Manchester United.
...
Real Madrid's loss reignited speculation in the transfer market.
Italian broadcaster Televisione 4 revealed that after the Copa del Rey defeat, Real Madrid inquired about Lazio's defensive leader, Alessandro Nesta, aiming to bring the world's top center-back to the Bernabéu.
"Real Madrid has proposed two options: a player-plus-cash deal or a straight cash offer."
"With their deep pockets, they're reportedly willing to pay €50 million for Nesta, potentially setting a new record for a defender's transfer fee."
The report also mentioned another target: Ronaldo, the Brazilian forward at Inter Milan.
Having recently recovered from injury, Ronaldo was rumored to be at odds with Inter coach Héctor Cúper and considering a move away from Serie A. Real Madrid was his ideal destination.
"Ronaldo craves both league and Champions League titles. At Real Madrid, those dreams are within reach."
The news sent shockwaves through the transfer market. If Nesta, a symbol of Italian football, and Ronaldo, Serie A's most iconic foreign player, both left for Real Madrid in a single summer, could Serie A still call itself the "Little World Cup"?
Juventus's Luciano Moggi and AC Milan's Adriano Galliani publicly declared their intent to keep Nesta in Italy. Meanwhile, Inter President Massimo Moratti insisted Ronaldo would not be sold.
"Ronaldo himself has told me he has no intention of leaving Inter. He's happy here," Moratti stated, vowing to mediate the conflict between Ronaldo and Cúper.
With the humiliating loss at the centenary celebration, Real Madrid is expected to pursue high-profile signings this summer to appease fans and bolster the team's competitiveness.
AS reported that Florentino Pérez's patience with Del Bosque was wearing thin.
"He cannot fathom how such an important final, held at home, ended in such a disgraceful defeat."
"If Real Madrid has the world's best superstars and players, then the problem must lie with the coach. Del Bosque must take responsibility for this humiliating loss!"
Citing inside sources, AS claimed Florentino had explicitly informed Del Bosque that retaining his job depended on winning both La Liga and the Champions League.
"If he secures these titles, he stays. If not, Real Madrid will find a new coach."
Both Real Madrid and Del Bosque denied these claims, with the coach stating:
"I don't know where AS gets their information. In fact, after the match, I spoke with the president, and he reaffirmed his trust in me. He wants me to lead the team to more titles—nothing more."
...
Meanwhile, Atlético remained focused on their own journey.
Taking advantage of the buzz, marketing director Carlos León spearheaded efforts to attract sponsors and expand the club's reach.
March 9, La Liga Round 29:
Real Madrid vented their centenary frustration on Villarreal, securing a 3–0 victory with goals from Raúl, Hierro, and McManaman.
Atlético, meanwhile, traveled to Málaga.
Belletti opened the scoring with a long-range strike in the first minute, followed by Vicente doubling the lead in the ninth.
Sensing control, Yang Hao instructed the team to slow the tempo and focus on game management.
In the 63rd minute, Baraja sealed the win with another long-range effort.
Yang Hao couldn't help but marvel at Baraja's increasing confidence in his shooting.
With a 3–0 away victory, Atlético kept the pressure on Real Madrid.
Barcelona lost 2–1 away to Real Betis, Deportivo La Coruña drew 1–1 at home against Rayo Vallecano, while Valencia triumphed with a 2–0 home victory over Sevilla.
With nine rounds remaining in La Liga, Atlético Madrid trailed Real Madrid by seven points, making a comeback seem highly unlikely.
Publicly, Yang Hao insisted that his team would keep putting pressure on Real Madrid and fight to the very last moment.
Privately, however, the coaching staff had already prepared contingency plans. If they couldn't overturn the league standings, they would throw all their efforts into advancing in the Champions League.
...
March 13 – Vicente Calderón Stadium
Champions League Second Group Stage, Matchday 5: Atlético Madrid vs. AS Roma.
Roma's lineup:
Goalkeeper: AntonioliDefense: Zebina, Samuel, PanucciMidfield: Candela, Emerson, Lima, CafuPlaymaker: TottiForwards: Batistuta, Montella
Although Roma's chances of advancing were purely theoretical, Fabio Capello fielded his strongest lineup, hoping to salvage some pride in this Champions League fixture.
Atlético Madrid's lineup:
Goalkeeper: Van der SarDefense: Aurelio, Carvalho, Lucio, BellettiMidfield: Cambiasso, Simeone (holding), Vicente, Deco, JoaquínForward: Adriano
Roma used a 3-5-2 formation, while Atlético opted for a 4-2-3-1, emphasizing midfield control. Both sides crowded the midfield with five players, signaling a tactical battle.
As Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni noted in a recent L'Équipe interview, one reason Serie A teams lag behind European trends is their defensive mindset, prioritizing avoiding goals over scoring them. This approach was evident at the Calderón.
From the outset, Atlético seized the home-field advantage with aggressive high pressing, exploiting the inherent vulnerabilities of Roma's three-man backline. Vicente and Joaquín wreaked havoc down the flanks, capitalizing on the space. Deco orchestrated the attacks from the center, while Adriano pinned down Samuel in the box.
This relentless pressure left Roma struggling to cope.
How could Roma defend this?
If Candela and Cafu dropped deeper to help defend, the system devolved into a five-man defense, stifling their attack.If Zebina and Panucci were drawn out wide, Samuel would be left alone to mark Adriano.
And Samuel, though nicknamed "The Wall," was not invincible. At 1.82 meters tall, the Argentine center-back struggled against Adriano, who stood 1.89 meters tall and played like a tank.
With crosses raining in from the flanks and Deco feeding balls to Adriano's feet, Samuel alone was overwhelmed.
As Roma's midfielders began retreating to help the defense, Atlético's fullbacks advanced even further.
13th minute: Belletti surged down the right wing and delivered a precise cross to the far post. Despite being tightly marked by Samuel and Emerson, Adriano soared above them to head the ball into Antonioli's net from close range.
1–0!
An ecstatic Adriano sprinted to the sidelines, celebrating with his parents in the stands.
This season, the Brazilian striker had developed rapidly into one of Europe's most fearsome attackers, becoming Atlético's undisputed talisman.
18th minute: Another Atlético attack. Roma initially defended well, clearing the ball out of the box. However, while their midfielders contained Deco, they failed to track Simeone's late run.
The veteran Argentine unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, blasting the ball into the top corner.
2–0!
Yang Hao stood on the sidelines, momentarily stunned.
"What is happening lately? It's like they're competing for long-shot highlights!" he laughed, referencing Baraja's long-range goals in recent matches and now Simeone's spectacular effort.
This trend highlighted a tactical truth: the pressure from Atlético's forwards forced Roma's defense to collapse into their box, leaving the edge of the area exposed. It was a testament to Atlético's offensive threat.
After 30 minutes, Roma began to stabilize. Batistuta's deflected free kick signaled their first shot of the match.
Despite sporadic attacks from Roma, Atlético maintained control and dictated the game.
Second Half:
Atlético resumed their dominance with relentless attacks, turning Roma's penalty area into a battlefield.
In the 63rd minute, Atlético crafted a masterpiece.
On the left flank, Aurelio and Cambiasso initiated a one-two combination, advancing past the halfway line. Aurelio continued with a quick one-two exchange with Vicente, slicing through Roma's defense with fluid, one-touch passing.
Approaching the edge of the box, Aurelio laid the ball off to Deco and darted into the penalty area.
Deco responded with a perfectly threaded pass through a sea of defenders, finding Aurelio in the left side of the box.
Aurelio calmly slotted the ball into the far corner.
3–0!
The 50,000-strong crowd at the Calderón erupted, many rising to their feet in disbelief.
Was this Atlético?
For years, Atlético had been synonymous with direct, physical football—even during their double-winning era. Yet under Yang Hao's guidance, the team had evolved into one capable of executing dazzling passing sequences.
While Atlético had shown flashes of brilliance before, this goal was exceptional. The intricate passing and seamless teamwork reduced Roma's defenders to mere spectators.
Atlético's relaxed composure throughout the match was evident.
Full-time: Atlético Madrid 3–0 AS Roma.
...
Italian media reacted with despair.
With this defeat, Roma was effectively eliminated. Meanwhile, Juventus faced the same fate in another group, leaving all Italian teams out of contention and both Roma and Juventus finishing last in their groups.
La Repubblica ran the headline "Goodbye, Europe" on its front page, lamenting the decline of Italian football.
"Is this still Serie A, the 'Little World Cup'? Are these the once-feared Italian giants?"
Whether it was Serie A's current leaders or last season's champions, both had stumbled out of the Champions League's second group stage, finishing bottom.
The paper argued that instead of blaming Capello's tactics or stubborn adherence to a three-man defense, the entire league needed introspection.
Elsewhere:
Yang Hao's Atlético continued their Champions League journey, further cementing their growing reputation across Europe.
"Why did Italian football crash out of the Champions League so early?"
La Gazzetta dello Sport provided an in-depth analysis. They highlighted how Atlético Madrid controlled the match against Roma from start to finish. Roma barely threatened the Rojiblancos, while every Atlético attack seemed to shake the Italians' defense.
"This is not just a tactical issue; the technical ability of the players is also a key factor," the paper noted, pointing to Atlético's third goal, describing it as a masterpiece.
"We dare say it might be the most brilliant goal of this season's Champions League."
Italian media agreed that this goal reflected Atlético's philosophy: not just physicality but also movement and passing.
"They completely toyed with the defenders," La Gazzetta dello Sport remarked, warning that if Serie A didn't adapt and shed its ultra-defensive culture, the league would struggle to reclaim European glory.
A Parallel Perspective from Turin
Corriere dello Sport echoed this sentiment, commending Inter Milan's move to bring in Héctor Cúper as a shift toward modernizing Italian football.
"Yet even Cúper, regarded as conservative in La Liga, finds his methods and tactics hard to adapt to Serie A's entrenched style. What if it were Yang Hao or another Spanish coach in Serie A?"
The newspaper speculated that a modern Spanish coach, like Yang Hao, would likely disrupt Italy's footballing traditions in unimaginable ways.
Across Europe, Yang Hao was already recognized as a pioneer of tactical innovation. Three consecutive stellar seasons with Atlético Madrid positioned him as a symbol of La Liga's dominance in tactical evolution.
UEFA Celebrates Atlético's Third Goal
UEFA selected Atlético's third goal against Roma for their "Best Group Stage Goals" reel, showering it with praise.
Fans and analysts worldwide also applauded the goal. Unlike the typical individual brilliance often celebrated, this goal showcased the essence of football's beauty: teamwork and coordination.
"Aureliano's finish epitomized collective excellence," some noted, as the left-back became a standout name overnight.
...
March 16 – La Liga Matchday 30
El Clásico at Camp Nou:
Real Madrid, showing signs of fatigue from a grueling schedule, faced Barcelona without an injured Luís Figo. Zinedine Zidane scored in the 38th minute, giving Real the lead. However, Rivaldo's second-half assist set up Xavi for the equalizer, ending the match in a 1–1 draw.
This result handed Atlético a golden opportunity to close the gap at the top.
In their home match against Real Betis, Atlético exuded dominance despite fielding a rotated lineup.
25th minute: Diego Forlán opened the scoring with a clinical strike.64th minute: Kaká capitalized on a midfield interception, cutting in from the left flank and scoring Atlético's second.
Final score: Atlético 2–0 Real Betis.
With Real Madrid dropping points and Atlético securing a win, the gap between the two teams narrowed to just five points.
Yang Hao's Rallying Cry
In the post-match press conference, Yang Hao exuded confidence, praising his team's growing maturity and highlighting how matches like the Copa del Rey final and Champions League battles had transformed his players.
"I'm telling you—we still have a chance," he declared.
His message was clear: Atlético would face Real Madrid in the next round at the Bernabéu.
"Look at it this way: we're only two points behind Madrid," he said.
The equation was simple. A win at the Bernabéu would bring the gap down to two points, leaving the league wide open with seven rounds to play.
"We will win at the Bernabéu, close the gap further, and take the La Liga title in the final moments," Yang vowed.
His statement sent shockwaves across Spain.
Would this pivotal clash—so soon after Atlético's Copa del Rey triumph at Madrid's centenary—be the moment Real turned the tide? Or would Atlético's momentum continue?
...
March 19 – Olympiastadion, Munich
Champions League Second Group Stage, Matchday 6: Bayern Munich vs. Atlético Madrid.
The group standings created an unusual scenario.
Atlético (11 points) had already clinched first place.Bayern (7 points) and Manchester United (6 points) were in a direct battle for second.Roma (2 points) had already been eliminated.
Manchester United needed a win against Roma and for Atlético to avoid defeat in Munich to advance.
Sir Alex Ferguson, in classic fashion, attempted to provoke Yang Hao publicly:
"Atlético has the strength to beat Bayern in Munich—but will they go all out, or take it easy?"
Yang Hao reportedly joked about "greeting Ferguson's family," dismissing the idea.
With a critical Madrid derby looming, Yang prioritized rotation. Bayern, seizing the moment, secured a 2–1 victory, with Claudio Pizarro scoring an 87th-minute winner.
Though Atlético's reserves fought valiantly, their focus was already on La Liga.
Meanwhile, Manchester United's 3–0 win over Roma proved insufficient. Bayern progressed, and United crashed out.
After the match, Ferguson admitted he bore no ill will: "If I were in Yang Hao's position, I'd do the same. When a league title is at stake, you prioritize."
Indeed, all eyes now turned to the Bernabéu, where the destiny of La Liga hung in the balance.
END CHAPTER